1862.] OF HAMPSHIRE. 341 



was very great. ' Take care, that's an 

 awkward double fence you are coming to,' 

 said one ; but she took it flying. Nobody 

 knew the lady; and inquiries were made as 

 to who she could be. A gallant Colonel, 

 thinking to come the old soldier over them, 

 quietly sidled up to the groom and asked the 

 lady's name : ' Miss Thomas, Colonel,' was 

 the answer; 'Where does she live?' l She is 

 a stranger in these parts, but is staying at 

 Pelham-place.' Not having gained much in- 

 formation, the Colonel abandoned further 

 attempts. It was, however, unanimously agreed 

 that the brush should be given to the lady, 

 and the master, Mr. Tredcroft, with one of 

 his best bows and his cap raised, went up and 

 presented the trophy, highly complimenting 

 her riding and the goodness of her horse. 

 This was too much to hear, and a loud laugh 

 burst from under the thick veil, and, throwing 

 it up and tossing off hat and flowing curls, 

 the well known countenance of the young 

 Squire, the son of the Admiral, presented 

 itself to the astonishment of all the field, and 

 to none more so than the very polite master 

 of the hounds. It was universally admitted 

 that it was the best done thing ever seen. 

 The heroine or rather hero of the exploit was 



